CPC National Certifications: Celebrating Collaboration in Career Development

At Career Professionals of Canada (CPC), we often reflect on what makes our association so unique. The answer is simple; it’s the people.

Beyond our caring and sharing community, CPC thrives on deep collaboration and volunteerism. From the very beginning, career professionals across Canada have united to raise the standards of our field and support each other’s success.

Our Longstanding History of Certifying Canadian Career Development Professionals

When CPC was founded in 2004 by Sharon Graham, one of her first major initiatives was creating a national certification program. Sharon brought together résumé writers and career strategists from every region of Canada—representing education, government, non-profit, and private practice—to contribute their expertise. This grassroots effort embodied integrity, inclusivity, and professional excellence.

That same collaborative spirit drives CPC’s work today. Dedicated volunteer subject matter experts support our certification programs by sharing their time, knowledge, and passion, keeping our programs current and credible. Because of their efforts, CPC certifications remain practical, accessible, and deeply meaningful to practitioners across Canada.

Canadian Career Development Competencies Validated

CPC now offers five national certifications that highlight professional excellence in the career development field:

• Certified Career Strategist (CCS)

• Certified Résumé Strategist (CRS)

• Certified Interview Strategist (CIS)

• Certified Employment Strategist (CES)

• Certified Work-Life Strategist (CWS)

Each program was designed by career professionals, for career professionals. Our certifications recognize real-world expertise and validate the specific competencies practitioners demonstrate every day. They’re attainable, affordable, and reflect CPC’s mission to promote ethics, excellence, and purposeful kindness within the profession.

Today, more than half of CPC’s members hold one or more certifications, a powerful reflection of our shared commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Certification does not exist for prestige alone; it honours the meaningful work that career professionals do and strengthens the credibility of our field across Canada.

If you’re a career professional looking to take the next step in your journey, CPC’s national certification programs can help you formalize your expertise and connect with a growing network of leaders shaping the future of our profession.

Learn more about CPC’s national certifications and how you can earn your designations.